How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Acura TL?

NHTSA lists 32 Electrical System complaints for the 2005 TL, about 8% of the 388 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2005 Acura TL?

Yes. Recall 05V132000, reported April 5, 2005, covers a loose terminal in the main fuse box that can cut power to the fuel pump and prevent the engine from starting. Dealers replace the fuse box free of charge.

At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on this model year is 123,500 miles, though several owners reported battery and headlight issues well before that.

What kinds of electrical failures do owners describe?

Owners describe recurring battery drain, a hands-free phone link module linked to current drain, intermittent headlight failures, and stalling tied to the fuel pump fuse.

Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this component on the 2005 TL shows 1 crash and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries.

2005 Acura TL Electrical System Problems

Owners filed 32 Electrical System complaints for the 2005 Acura TL, 8% of that year's 388 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 123,500. A related recall (05V132000) covers a loose fuse box terminal that can cut power to the fuel pump.

Electrical System complaints: 32; 8% of 388 complaints
All complaints this year: 388
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 123,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Battery drains unexpectedly, sometimes repeatedly on the same vehicle, leaving drivers stranded and requiring more than one replacement.
Hands-free phone link module reportedly causes a continuous current drain that can drain the battery overnight and generate excess heat under its plastic cover.
Headlight assemblies flicker or go out intermittently, in one case tied to a suspected igniter and inverter failure inside the bulb housing.
Engine stalls at low speed and restarts on its own minutes later, in one case traced to the fuel pump fuse and fixed by replacing the fuse box.
Smoke was reported coming from the instrument panel after a fuse box repair.

When 2005 Acura TL electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 30, 2008, latest Aug 16, 2026.

32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2008 to Aug 2026; peak Dec 2014 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2005 Acura TL

NHTSA 05V132000Apr 5, 2005Electrical System1,923 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
On certain passenger vehicles, a loose terminal in the main fuse box may cause the fuel pump to lose power. If the fuel pump becomes inoperative, the engine may not start.
Risk: If the fuel pump loses power while driving the engine could stall without warning which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the entire fuse box free of charge. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact honda at 800-999-1009 or acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Electrical System complaints by TL model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200532 (8%)
200634 (14%)
200725 (20%)
200817 (14%)
20093 (7%)
20102 (3%)
20110 (0%)
201212 (9%)
20137 (11%)
20140 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Acura TL?: NHTSA lists 32 Electrical System complaints for the 2005 TL, about 8% of the 388 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2005 Acura TL?: Yes. Recall 05V132000, reported April 5, 2005, covers a loose terminal in the main fuse box that can cut power to the fuel pump and prevent the engine from starting. Dealers replace the fuse box free of charge.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on this model year is 123,500 miles, though several owners reported battery and headlight issues well before that.
What kinds of electrical failures do owners describe?: Owners describe recurring battery drain, a hands-free phone link module linked to current drain, intermittent headlight failures, and stalling tied to the fuel pump fuse.
Did the electrical issues cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this component on the 2005 TL shows 1 crash and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries.